IAF Chief Highlights Operation Sindoor Success: Claims of F-16 Destruction and Debunking of Pakistani Narrative
NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh on Friday praised Operation Sindoor, asserting it will be remembered for achieving its objectives with speed and precision and for significantly impacting Pakistan’s military capabilities. During a press conference marking the 93rd Air Force Day, Singh claimed that Indian forces targeted multiple installations in Pakistan, reportedly destroying four to five Pakistani fighter jets.
Singh detailed that the operation was executed over four days with a clear mandate, concluding swiftly after meeting its objectives. “As far as Pakistan’s losses are concerned, we struck a large number of their airfields and installations,” he stated. Damage was inflicted on radars at four locations, control centers at two sites, and multiple hangars across various bases.
He reported signs of destruction of a C-130 aircraft and identified the likely targets as F-16 jets due to their concurrent maintenance. Additionally, one surface-to-air missile (SAM) system was noted as being destroyed. “We have clear evidence of one long-range strike over 300 km, likely targeting an AEW&C aircraft or another significant target, along with five high-tech fighters ranging between F-16 and JF-17 class,” Singh added.
Singh attributed a significant role in the operation to India’s newly inducted long-range surface-to-air missiles, which he claimed effectively hindered Pakistani operations. “Our long-range SAMs made it possible to look deep inside their territory and ensure they could not operate effectively,” he said, highlighting achievements against aircraft and operations at distances over 300 kilometers.
In response to Pakistan’s claims regarding the conflict, Singh dismissed them as “manohar kahaniyan,” emphasizing that Pakistan’s narrative serves its domestic audience more than reflecting reality. “If they think they shot down 15 of my jets, let them believe it; I hope they prepare for 15 fewer aircraft in my inventory for future conflicts,” he remarked.
Singh referred to the operation as a historical lesson, emphasizing its clear objectives and prompt conclusion. He observed that it would be remembered for demonstrating how a conflict could be resolved efficiently while addressing national security concerns.
Furthermore, Singh commended the media for effectively managing disinformation during the operation’s course, remarking, “Our media handled the fog of war well, standing alongside the Army.”
Operation Sindoor was conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, wherein Indian Armed Forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir through precision strikes. The IAF chief stated that India effectively repelled subsequent escalations from Pakistan while targeting its airbases.
